Modi lashed out at Naidu for aligning with the Congress, saying the former chief minister NT Ramarao had launched the party to make Andhra Pradesh “Congress-mukt”.

Press Trust Of India

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GUNTUR — Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday launched a scathing attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu, saying he has made a “U-turn” on promises of development to the state and was only replicating the former’s schemes.

Modi lashed out at Naidu for aligning with the Congress, saying the former chief minister NT Ramarao (NTR) had launched the party to make Andhra Pradesh “Congress-mukt” after he was a victim of its ‘arrogance.’

Naidu was indeed a senior to him, but only in losing elections, switching alliances and ditching his father-in-law NT Rama Rao, Modi said at a public rally in Guntur.

“He keeps reminding me he is senior. There is no debate in this.

I have never shown any disrespect to you since you are a senior. You are a senior in changing alliances.

A senior biting the back of your own father-in-law. A senior in losing one election after the other, where as I am not,” the Prime Minister said.

Further, Naidu was senior in embracing tomorrow those whom he would abuse today, Modi said.

Modi alleged Naidu was taking him on since the Centre had sought details of every paise given to Andhra Pradesh.

Naidu had promised walking in the footsteps of NTR, Modi said and asked if the Chief Minister had lived by it.

“The arrogance of Delhi (during the Congress rule) has always insulted states. And NTR that is why decided to make AP Congress-mukth and floated the TDP.

The TDP leader who has to resist the arrogance of the Naamdaars (famous and powerful people) and crush their arrogance is siding with them,” he said in an apparent swipe at Naidu joining hands with the Congress.

“This chowkidar (watchman) has disturbed his sleep..

wanted to know the details of every paise given to Andhra Pradesh,” Modi said.

Naidu promised the sunrise of Andhra Pradesh but is fixated with the rise of his own son N Lokesh, Modi charged.

The Chief Minister promised the redevelopment of Amaravati but is now engaged in his own development, the Prime Minister alleged.

He said Naidu had not initiated any new programmes for the poor but was only putting his stamp on the NDA government’s development schemes.

On providing clean fuel in the country, Modi said while in 60 years, only 12 crore gas connections were given, the NDA government had given 13 crore gas connections in just four years.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister dedicated two petroleum and gas projects to the nation.